Court Reinstates Most Of Texas Abortion Restrictions

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans lifted an injunction and is allowing most provisions in the new Texas abortion law to take effect, while a lawsuit against it moves forward. One provision requires doctors who perform the procedure to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. The law also bans abortions at 20 weeks of pregnancy. The three judge panel let stand part of the ruling prohibiting the state from enforcing federal regulations governing use of the abortion pill. The Appeals Court ruling, in effect until a full hearing takes place, most likely in January.